SEER—What Does It Mean?

June 24, 2019

SEER is a term that gets thrown around a lot in reference to air conditioning (AC) products. As a homeowner, it’s helpful to know what it means. SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Essentially, it’s a rating system that allows you to quickly determine an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Its rating is determined by taking the number of BTUs (the cooling speed) and dividing it by the machine’s wattage.

Heating and cooling units generally use more electricity than any of your household appliances, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). For this reason, it’s to your advantage to check SEER ratings when picking out an air conditioning system for your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the product; the more efficient the product, the more you’ll save on your electric bill.

Because of a recent ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all air conditioning units manufactured 2015 and onward need to have a minimum SEER rating of 14. Older, outdated air conditioners generally have a SEER rank of 10 and under. In most cases, you should be able to identify your air conditioner’s SEER rating by locating the EnergyGuide® sticker on the exterior.

The Benefits of Upgrading

Systems a decade or older are significantly less efficient than what’s currently available. They tend to require more frequent repairs than newer models. They also eat up way more electricity than an air conditioner with a 14 SEER rating. By switching to a newer model, you can save on utilities, pay for fewer (if any) repairs, and lead a greener lifestyle. If you’re thinking about upgrading, contact Western Sales and Services. We’d be happy to give you an estimate of how much electricity you’d save by upgrading.

Picking the Right SEER

While a higher SEER rating means higher efficiency, it isn’t the only factor you should be taking into account when making a purchase. An air conditioner can only reach its highest potential efficiency when it operates in the correct environment. An HVAC system that’s too big for the space it functions in can’t reach the efficiency of its SEER rating. The same is true if it’s implemented in a home with leaky ducts, poorly insulated windows, or other home issues. Its rating can also be affected when operating in conjunction with your furnace.

Finding an air conditioner that will operate at maximum efficiency in your home or office space requires careful inspection and calculations. Our team of certified technicians at Western Sales and Services is prepared to find you the perfect match! Call us at 205-787-8674 to schedule an appointment or request service online. It’s our goal to keep Birmingham, AL cool, comfortable, and operating at optimal efficiency!